Creamed Spinach with Fresh Spinach

Best Creamed Spinach with Fresh Spinach Ready in 25

By Amara Vitalis September 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy making something a bit special? Ever tried making creamed spinach from scratch? Honestly, it's easier than you think. This creamed spinach with fresh spinach recipe is a total game changer.

You will be so proud when you make this classic creamed spinach recipe.

Quick Hook: Proper Creamed Spinach

Are you ready to ditch the frozen stuff? This creamed spinach with fresh spinach will blow your mind. It is super creamy, garlicky, and has that delicious parmesan kick.

It is not just any spinach side dish.

Creamy Goodness

This is not just any spinach. This is a classic creamed spinach dish taken up a notch. Originally from France, this gourmet creamed spinach has become a classic side.

This easy side dish recipes is straightforward, taking just 25 minutes, and serves 4.

Benefits of Fresh Spinach Recipes

Using fresh spinach, you get a boost of vitamins and minerals. Think of this recipe when you want a perfect accompaniment for any roast dinner.

What makes this creamed spinach with garlic special is that it uses fresh spinach, so it's brighter and tastier.

Now, let's get to the ingredients, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right then, ready to make the best creamed spinach ever? It all starts with having the right bits and bobs.

Main Ingredients: Fresh is Always Best

For this classic creamed spinach recipe, you'll need:

1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil : This is for gently sweating the garlic. Any decent olive oil will do.
2 cloves garlic, minced : Fresh garlic is key, none of that jarred stuff!
2 pounds (900g) fresh spinach : Okay, this is the star of the show! Get fresh spinach, not the frozen kind. Look for leaves that are vibrant green and not slimy. You know, the kind that looks like it wants to be eaten.
2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter : Because everything's better with butter, innit?
2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour : This helps thicken things up.
1 1/2 cups (350 ml) whole milk : Full fat is the way to go, for that gourmet creamed spinach vibe.
1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) ground nutmeg : Don't skip this. It adds a warm, subtle flavour.
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream : For extra richness. You can use half and-half if you are watching your calories.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese : Adds a salty, umami kick.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Seasoning Notes: Time to Get Spicy!

Don't be afraid to experiment. For the perfect creamed spinach, I always go for a pinch of nutmeg. A little bit of nutmeg gives a gentle warmth, trust me ! You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, especially for creamed spinach variations .

Honestly, salt and pepper are your best friends here. Season generously!

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!

Luckily, you don't need a ton of fancy gear.

Large skillet or pot : A good, solid skillet is essential.
Whisk : For making that lovely creamy sauce, use a simple wire whisk.
Colander : Gotta drain that spinach, darling!

And that's it. Now you are ready to rock and roll. Remember this easy side dish recipe is very forgiving.

So, are you ready to ditch the soggy, grey creamed spinach you are used to? This recipe of creamed spinach with fresh spinach is a game changer.

You'll never want to eat the frozen stuff again. Plus, this spinach side dish is packed with creamed spinach nutrition , so you can feel good about indulging.

Elevate Your Greens: The Best Creamed Spinach with Fresh Spinach!

Honestly, creamed spinach sometimes gets a bad rap. People think of that gloopy, bland stuff. But trust me, this creamed spinach with fresh spinach recipe is nothing like that! It's vibrant, flavourful, and dead easy to make.

It is a classic creamed spinach and a great choice for those easy side dish recipes .

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first: you want to get your ducks in a row. That's what we call mise en place here.

Get 2 pounds (900g) of fresh spinach washed, stemmed, and ready to go. Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Measure out your 2 tablespoons (30g) of flour, 1 1/2 cups (350 ml) of milk, and 1/4 cup (60ml) of cream.

Grate that 1/4 cup (30g) of Parmesan. You know? Do it all beforehand. It makes life so much easier.

Creamed Spinach Magic: step-by-step

Right then, let’s get cooking!

Sauté the garlic in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil for about 30 seconds. Don't let it burn! No one likes bitter garlic.
Wilt the spinach in batches. Seriously, it shrinks down a ton .
Drain and squeeze the water out! Then chop coarsely.
Melt the butter , then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1- 2 minutes .
Gradually whisk in the milk , making sure there are no lumps.
Simmer until thickened . Then, stir in nutmeg, cream, and Parmesan.
Add the spinach , season, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Creamed Spinach with Garlic

For a truly gourmet creamed spinach , make sure your spinach is super dry. This ensures a perfect creamy consistency.

Want to add a little something extra? A pinch of nutmeg goes a long way. The flavors here deliver a good creamed spinach nutrition for the body.

Avoid the temptation to rush the sauce. A slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Also, be generous with the seasoning! Don't be afraid to taste and adjust.

And honestly , freshly grated Parmesan makes a world of difference.

This spinach side dish is fantastic with roast beef or grilled salmon. It is truly a best creamed spinach if prepared correctly, so experiment with these pro tips to achieve a great creamed spinach recipe .

So there are also many creamed spinach variations

Enjoy your creamed spinach with fresh spinach !

Recipe Notes: Your Creamed Spinach with Fresh Spinach Cheat Sheet

Right, so you're about to make my version of creamed spinach , yeah? Ace! Before you dive in headfirst, let's run through a few things.

This spinach side dish is dead simple, but a few tweaks can make it amazing . Honestly, it's all about the details, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Posh it Up or Keep it Real

Fancy pants time? Plate up individual portions with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a twist of black pepper. This classic creamed spinach is brilliant with a proper Sunday roast, especially roast chicken or beef.

Or, you know, just pile it high next to some bangers and mash. Both work, yeah? For drinks, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc would be banging.

I always think easy side dish recipes like this are great, because they elevate the meal, but they are not super hard to make.

Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Mate!

Got leftovers? No worries. Pop your gourmet creamed spinach in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you reheat it, do it gently on the hob, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short bursts. If you want to freeze it, portion it out first.

It might be a little watery when you defrost it, but a quick simmer should sort that out.

Creamed Spinach Variations: Get Creative

Want to mix things up? Go wild! For a cheesy twist, chuck in some grated Gruyère along with the Parmesan.

If you're feeling brave, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. Need a dairy-free option? Use almond milk and some nutritional yeast.

It won't be exactly the same, but it'll still be tasty. If you want to use creamed spinach with garlic I would also suggest add it with the olive oil for enhanced flavor! The thing with creamed spinach variations is that there are so many options, and you can change it to the flavor that you like!

Creamed Spinach Nutrition: Good for You, Sort Of...

Let's be real, creamed spinach nutrition isn't exactly a salad. But, it's got spinach, which is packed with vitamins and minerals.

It's also got dairy, which means calcium. Not to mention the fact that you are using fresh spinach recipes . Each serving has around 200 calories, 10g of protein, and 15g of fat.

So, yeah, treat it as a bit of a treat, but enjoy those nutrients!

So there you have it. Now get in that kitchen and whip up the best creamed spinach you've ever tasted.

You got this! Honestly, it's easier than putting up with the in-laws. Now go and impress your mates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My creamed spinach with fresh spinach is watery. What did I do wrong?

The most common culprit is excess moisture in the spinach. Make sure you really squeeze out as much water as possible from the spinach after wilting it, like you're trying to wring the neck of a wet dishrag! Also, don't overcrowd the pan when wilting, as that releases more water.

If it's still watery, simmer the finished dish uncovered for a few minutes to help the sauce thicken up.

Can I make creamed spinach with fresh spinach ahead of time?

You certainly can, guv'nor! Creamed spinach reheats surprisingly well. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up, and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Avoid overcooking it, or the spinach might become mushy. It's like reheating a good curry, sometimes it tastes even better the next day!

What's the best way to store leftover creamed spinach with fresh spinach?

To properly store your leftover creamed spinach, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Pop it into the refrigerator promptly; it will keep well for 3-4 days.

If you are meal prepping, remember to portion the spinach into individual containers for easy grab and-go lunches or quick dinners.

I don't have Parmesan cheese. Is there a good substitute for creamed spinach with fresh spinach?

Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavour, you can definitely use other hard, salty cheeses. Pecorino Romano is a great choice it's a bit sharper and saltier than Parmesan, so you might want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Alternatively, a good mature cheddar can also work in a pinch, although it will give the dish a slightly different flavour profile. It’s all about experimenting, innit?

Can I freeze creamed spinach with fresh spinach?

Freezing creamed spinach isn't ideal, as the cream sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, use an airtight container and consume within 1-2 months. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently.

You might need to add a little extra cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. Just be prepared for a slight change in texture, old bean.

Can I make creamed spinach with fresh spinach dairy-free/vegan?

Yes, you can absolutely adapt this recipe to be dairy-free! Use a good quality plant based butter alternative, like Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter. For the milk, unsweetened almond or oat milk work well. Replace the cream with cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water until smooth) for a similar richness.

Finally, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavour in place of the Parmesan start with a tablespoon and add more to taste. Bangers and mash, hold the dairy!